I’ve been struggling to get some decent calipers mounted on a budget aluminum gravel bike. I got some cable actuated hydros to try. I am wondering if there is a cheap hack to face and chase or file/sand paint around the mounting holes on the frame.
Also, I’ve attached a photo from the instructions that cane with the calipers. What is that supposed to mean? there is a photo of an adapter and the rotor…but it doesn’t make sense to me. Is that supposed to be a 140 rotor and the adaptor for the mount? Also, should I remove the plate that came with the rear caliper, if I’m running 160mm? It’s just an odd figure. The rear adapter doesn’t look like that at all.
With flatmount brakes you almost always need to use this adapter for the front caliper. Usually it works in both orientations - one for 140, second for 160 rotor. The correct orientation also depends on the fork manufacturer, the forks are usually meant for 140/160 but 160/180 are slowly emerging too. Theres nothing easier than to try it out if you are unsure, flip it the wrong side and the brake pads will barely touch the rotor.
Mounting of the rear caliper is also frame dependent, usually it’s no adapter for 140 mm and an adapter for 160 mm. I understand the manual as the “adapter” is already incorporated in the body of the caliper. If the frame is made for 140 mm without adapter, you fit this caliper with no adapter for 160 mm too. If the frame is made for 160 mm with no adapter (less frequent) you would need to use 180 mm rotor to fit this caliper.
Easiest trick to face the flat mounts is to go to a reputable bike shop who has the facing machine, cost of the service will be fraction of the tool.
3 Likes
